Lucy Lippard is an art critic, primarily, but is also known for her activism, curating and staunch feminism. She has written over 20 books, and curated 50-odd major art exhibitions. This highly illustrated but compact book is a meandering, but always fierce investigation into the cultural and political geography in the South West of the US. It proved to be an essential companion to our recent road trip through the region, as she examines the impact of mining, especially uranium, fracking, the politics of water, Indian land rights, and even adobe building. It's a very depressing book, but always hopeful and Lippard is a cheerful companion.